Welcome to the Ultimate Agent Orange Guide for VA Disability Benefits. These are the evidence pieces you should give to your VSO, or if filing on your own, the evidence you scan and attach when submitting a claim at VA.gov. Charles, I am proud of my service in the navy, however, our government did a poor job of protecting us while we served. Dont give up! Our vets are used and God sees this. Yeah As a BT we used gallons of Toulene No respirator Had oil tank overflow on to mess deck about 1 inch deep. (Even though he had rectal cancer and now has a colostomy.) He died of pancreatic cancer in 2010. Agent Orange is recognized for Parkinsons. Why has this taken so long to review?? VA doctors told my husband to apply for disability for Agent Orange which was supposed to be automatic if you served in certain areas, including Thailand, where it was sprayed around base perimeters, where everyone walked. Oral, lung, esophagus, colon, prostrate, blood but not the stomach? I was a Flight Deck director on the USS Kearsarge Aircraft Carrier. Currently, Skinner hopes to make a case before a VA judge in perhaps a year, maybe longer. Does the theater include Guam and other stockpile locations in the South Pacific? Wednesday, March 10, 2021. You will find a very good article that explains qualifications. I also served on an Aircraft Carrier, USS Kearsarge as a Flight Deck Director, Yellow shirt from 9/67 to 5/68 and had HS6 Search and Rescue and HC7 Combat Search and Rescue HOMEBASED on our ship. How do I find out about agent orange being used in Korea up by the DMZ during 1973 and 1974. All from Agent Orange. My lungs and Grovers Disease was not on their list. Sorry, but I dont have the time or ability to bear the burden of responsibility when it comes to proving this issue. Surely VA isnt saying that stateside exposure isnt responsible for the same ailments as overseas exposure. What about soldiers who served in Vietnam AND South Korea both of which resorted in exposure to Agent Orange? Im 72 and my time is limited and its been a long hard road, but Ive raised my posterity. He kept his job until he died. Put in claim many years ago when bladder cancer became presumptive. If he won it, then you are entitled to his compensation although it will be much less $ than what he would have received. So much for all those people and ads saying welcome home. You have to prove it.. And BTW! He is now 100% covered and we are seeing good results from the VA and their care for him. It took several days to call me back. Funny thing is the chemical being sprayed one could actually see with no problems. Hypertension should definitely be added,I got hypertension in my early 40s was in Vietnam 70to 71. I was turned down cold! His primary care doctor believes this was a result of exposure to Agent Orange but a VSO has submitted a claim on my behalf for him. I know a Roberto Bustamante in Tampa Fl. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, If there is support, could you please point me in the direction needed? My husband died of stomach cancer, had hashimotos disease etc. Our government truly does not care. You wrote an exact copy of what happened to me!! The military even put up signs advising us not to go outside when the agent was being sprayed. If I were a civilian in Aniston I could sue and at least get my medical bills paid forbut I was just serving my country so I guess I dont deserve to be treated like a human being. My loved one is in hospice at this moment any time hes going to be restored to the kingdom of God. In 2019 I started the process of filing the claim with the VA. After a lot of paper work, doctor exams and 10 months of waiting I finally received my rating from the VA of 100% full and complete disability. Catch 22! Over two years in one place. What about the other 4 years he was stuck to the damn oxygen? 74 yrs of age. The VA is worse than the Post Office. Ask anyone who served in Vietnam and it was common practice to dispose of human excrement by mixing it with diesel fuel and burning it. Google Okinawa and Agent Orange. There are a couple of things that come to mind that you could try. VA will be publishing the PACT Act Performance Dashboard every other Friday to measure the implementation of PACT Act and showcase its impact on Veterans and survivors. Questions sent to the offices of Portman and U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton. My husband Was in Korea in 1973 and 1974. The letter acknowledges that I have the conditions, but states that my service is not believed to be the cause. Charles, Dennis, Edward, Elliott, Gary, Harold, James, Jeppie, Jerry, John (3), Joseph, Patrick, Paul, Robert (2), Roy, Steve, Terry, Thomas & Willy. Please reapply! I am a Vietnam combat Veteran, 1968, III Corps. I have been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. I now have Parkinsons, off course VA denied my claim . Died 6 years ago of AO related lung cancer. My husband died at the age of 88 in Colombia, from a cardiorespiratory arrest, his diagnosis of Epoc, hypothyroidism, Parkinsons, osteoarthritis and Alzhaymer, these were presented to him from 2015 in Colombia, could it be a consciousness of the war chemicals? AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE . Examined for Agent Orange four years ago. Together WE can connect veterans with their benefits by sharing this information. The majority of his career has been dedicated to assisting veterans with legal issues nationwide. Yes. In 2017, he was no longer able to communicate and was unable to control his bowel movements. I have hyperthyroidism from agent orange. The Va clinic says, I dont know what your talking about. At 40, I already had two heart operations (outside the VA). I resubmitted my claim July2019. V.A. Im fully compensated, tax free, and have free medical. Learn more about benefits related to Agent Orange exposure. God bless, I hope somehow something proper comes your way. His name was Mark (silver)Thorne. God help us! Those who had served at one of the military bases in Thailand listed in the below URL and the locations at those bases identified, and experiencing any of the ailments considered possibly caused by Agent Orange (including prostate cancer) may now be eligible for VA treatment and compensation. He passed away in 2015 with heart failure and had skin cancer . Trones bill would force these to be adjudicated this quicker, presuming that they were exposed to harmful herbicides. [Editor: Although VA recommends Veterans work with accredited VSOs, heres a few details that can help. Its the birth defects given to the children of the veterans. Hey, they can keep it and put it you know where. What is going to be done for families that have already loss loved ones prior to this ruling? I have heard nothing since. As Red Green always says Im rooting for you, were all in this together . File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI |, To cut costs, Amazon delays completion of second headquarters, closes retail stores. Im glad these benefits are being added. Contact a veterans service organization ASAP. But we filed a claim for our daughter for the Agent Orange. So, just because youre not a veteran doesnt mean Agent Orange didnt effect you. I need to be working but I cannot! I submitted my claim in 2008 after being called to the VAMC to be placed on the registry. kapm. I would bet that those who are now in charge or have recently been in charge of the VA are those very same college students from the 60s and 70s! VA do the right thing. The smell was bad and if you inhaled the spaying compound one would have a hard time breathing. I have read articles where the VA is talking about neuropathy being caused by Agent Orange if you do not have diabetes. Was it used in Germany at the same time? Get buddy letter . After many years of dealing with the VA in Iowa City, I got him in to Danville, Illinois VA. What about all of us who were stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama ? They want to punish us all. What about soldiers that were made to take the PB pill to inoculate us from nerve agents during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Im grateful for the be befits our service members now receive as my husband a twenty year retired war veteran does, but these Vietnam Veterans suffered through decades up against the brick wall that was the old VA. I know Agent Orange was the cause of his death and many of his buddies he served with that died around the same time as he did 25 years ago! GOONIE BIRDS got better treatment! They will help you prepare your disability claim . He has to apply and use a catheter twice a day, something he expects to do for the rest of his life. I tried to respond to you twice, but they wont accept my posts for some reason. WASHINGTON - The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee advanced legislation introduced by U.S. My husband was in Vietnam in the late 60s and early 70s. They did test but couldnt come up with anything. Im 71 documented Agent Orange but no claim with VA. Im having more and more medical issues, Have filed with a VSO and was denied. What about those of us Vietnam era vets that served on stateside bases such as Ft Gordon ga? This condition, nor the degenerative joint disease I am dealing with, is covered as presumptive by the VA for the Camp Lejeune water contamination affected veterans. Problem solved!!!! The JSRRC is officially known as the Joint Services Records . I filed a week later for survivor benefits. Filed again 12/15/2020 in anticipation of the dx finally being approved as presumptive. That will make U.S. military veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange eligible for the VA's disability compensation benefits. I was brown water navy for three or four months and had exposure to ground troops who were barracks on the APD 40 Nueces where I and others had to tear down their bunks when we decommissioned our ship. Heart breaking, hard to think about God bless all, Im just giving up. I served in the 49th TAC Fighter Wing and got out in late 1974 after breathing jet exhaust on the flight line for almost a year. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs mandates that veterans who served in southeast Asian countries other than Vietnam during the war provide evidence of exposure to the herbicide in order to qualify for benefits. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). I have had tumors removed and strange skin problems. i was moving a 55 gallon drum of that stuff and it wasted all over my lower body and my supervisor told me to go take a long hot shower and bag all of my clothes and return them to him he would get me some new ones, never to tell me that it was harmful i went back out to the bombdump where i was temporary assigned and read the drums and saw it was herberside i filed and fielded for agent orange but was told not service connected now i have hypothyroidism and Parkinsonism alone with i had to have my prostate removed for i had prostate cancer. Just how much can one family take we keep dieing!!! He retired after 24 years of service in the Marines while serving he developed a heart condition that required a triple bypass he also suffered from PTSD, Rash to his back, feet, and legs he also developed asthma, and lung cancer from agent orange and smoking cigarettes of which was given to him his first day of reporting to camp they were included with his gear before that he never smoked. THANK YOU- Christopher Cross Lived for basically 5 months. My husband, who is a Vietnam vet, has scleroderma. Jul 11, 2016 THAILAND, AGENT ORANGE; Jul 5, 2016 RANGE-OF-MOTION TESTING REQUIREMENTS; June 2016 Jun 10, 2016 . VAs review supports initiation of rulemaking to address the role that particulate matter pollution plays in generating chronic respiratory conditions, which may include asthma, rhinitis and sinusitis for Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War and/or after September 19, 2001, or in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan during the Persian Gulf War. He served in Vietnam in the Army from 1967 -1968. The term agent orange has to be removed from any claim and replaced with herbicide which is a denial by our VA that the chemical was used to defoliate the perimeters of all the air basis in Thailand. Parkinsons? Many of But the VA says, sorry no claim in your 1st year out, too bad. Go online and look for the name of your state and VA rep and it will pop up with a list. My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer 3 years ago. says good luck. If a claim is denied for 20 years and then was the granted at 100%, they saved over $800,000.00. What about glioblastoma brain? Lawyers come in hot and fade like smoke on the wind after being stalled for so long by the VA. Veterans organizations have been fighting for this for years and it took an act of Congress to make it happen because the VA denied or ignored all scientific evidence. This is from a person who has zero family history of hypothyroidism. Skinner said the denial was frustrating. Praying this morning for you and your family. Try getting your money back on any of this. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). The best thing for my situation was accomplished by my VSO officer. When was this and what was this? They have over 600 pages of medical records for the multitudes of surgeries, treatments, lab work, and final radical cystoprostatectomy 2018. I have no idea. Meanwhile, according to its website, the VA is currently reviewing its policy on Agent Orange exposure in Thailand, leaving Dan hopeful the door is now open for other veterans. Air Force worked in air freight. I served on a PBR river boat on the mekong in 1971. Paula there is strong evidence that Dioxin the active agent in Agent Orange altered DNA and as such children can see their health impacted so do not give up. Im an Anniston vet. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. He lost his battle with Cancer September 2002 as his widow what can I do to see if I am eligible for his agent orange benefits? I periodically return to refile so that my family will have something to pester them with after I pass. Back then I should have reported him. Dad wanted his compensation to go to his daughters . I have not been able to secure ANY Squadron Flight Logs either. I am proud to join Rep. Cartwright in introducing legislation that will ensure our Vietnam War veterans who served in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia receive the care they deserve now, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to work across the aisle to support these men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country," Fitzpatrick said in a statement. Are you serious?! When my husband died in 2010, he couldnt even find the paperwork to apply for a grave marker. Mekong Delta. I was also told that even before the pandemic, claims decisions were never made in less than four months. While I did not file a claim for hypothyroidism,, I was taking medication for it when I had my Agent Orange exam from which they gave me disability ratings for DM2 and ischemic hear disease. Call: 988 (Press 1), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420. I also am a cancer survivor. through the red tape. VA kept telling him he had to PROVE he was unemployable at the age of 63 when he had already retired and was on Social Security because he didnt have the stamina to hold a job. 9th Division.??? So what about those who served from 83 86 that got bladder cancer. I assumed that once a person wS 100%, there was no need to further file for illness related to agent orange. Its on the VAs own list of bases. Thanks for helping the lady above. I am a Viet Nam era vet: Denied, Denied and Denied, back pain. My dad was poisoned by AO during the war doing decon of planes from Vietnam. When he was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 lung cancer, all of a sudden the VA got charitable and rated him 100%, which did a helluva lot of good for him and for me as a survivor 5 damn months. Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (if it presents within one year of exposure to a degree of 10 percent disabling) Now it should be noted that when the chemical was sprayed one could not help but be exposed to it as the only way to the barracks was by military bus and if one wanted to eat one had to walk to the Mess Hall. These men and women, and their families, have had to wait too damn long for this acknowledgement!!! Good luck. Persian Gulf War? What do I have to do. Will she possibly be eligible for benefits of the new changes? 0:00 Introduction0:52 AGEN. We both came down with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Why hide the truth? I had this similar experience-only served immediately after the Vietnam conflict, on a LPH THAT TRANSPORTED agent orange, helicopters and, was deployed to south east Asia, and we took it to dry dock. I am not judging your entitlement or claim validity. The VA hasnt even approved private therapy to assist me with my exceedingly difficult situation. I couldnt agree more. Respiratory diseases?? I served aboard an aircraft carrier in Southeast Asia from 1972-1973. 877-222-8387, TDD (Hearing Impaired) Bob was trying to get that letter rescinded at the time he died.. 1. My husband had several of those illnesses, but VA kept loosing only the real important documentation and then even went as far as wanting daily records. I already lost my prostate over this. Being exposed just doesnt stop with the military member. I wont hold my breath (mainly because I cant hold it too long) that the government will ever compensate me or any of my brothers and sisters in my lifetime. Do I gualify for any Agent Orange compensation ??? The Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act, introduced by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., and Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Penn., would allow veterans who served in some other countries during the conflict to access benefits without providing additional evidence. Thank you. I live in New York. Robert, you will be eligible for compensation if you have medical conditions that warrant it. Thank god I covered my head with my Fatigue shirt. the VA acknowledged Agent Orange use in Thailand and made service members stationed there eligible for compensation . I was in Vietnam during the year 1970. Loaded what ever in all kinds of airplanes. He loved his job. My late husband was with the 14th combat engineers assigned to the 1st Cav. When will they get enough competent case reviewers to catch up on all Agent Orange Disability claims.?? The review board keeps telling me this every time I refile after a new presumptive condition gets named, all five of them as of this writing. I have applied several times for benefits associated with bladder cancer and prostate cancer that I canttaccontracted in Korea in 1968 -69. Do it ASAP as Im sure many will be doing the same,, GOOD LUCK!!! Exactly,JP fuel, chromate & benzodiazepines as well! Came home on a Bipap and directions to use an oxygen concentrator and had to have tanks exchanged every month, I believe. My husband had Lewy Body Dementia for twelve years that we know of and then had Parkinsons the last three years of his life. USMC, 67-71. I send my prayers to you during this difficult time. Thailand veterans harmed by Agent Orange hope Congress will hear them Caption Local News By Thomas Gnau Nov 1, 2021 Legislation addresses presumption that Thailand vets weren't exposed to. My father was in Korea and Vietnam and was diagnosed with colon cancer and lymphoma and died shortly after in 1972. Contact your local VSO and they will help you file a claim to reopen your case using the recent addition of these conditions to the presumptive list as New and Relevant evidence. hypertension should be on that list of new presumptive illnesses it has been on the list to be added for the last 3 VA directors the NASE&M has deemed it linked to AO and the last few I believe had fears that adding that would be a BUDGET BUSTER and that is why it was and is not being added the last one of the leaders prior to this one started a new round of research on all of the presumed so that he wouldnt have to deal with the list that had been presented to him by the previous administrator the question still remains why a new review ? I find.your comment of interest as I just had spinal surgery three weeks ago (Lumbar Laminotomy L2-L5). Former U.S. serviceman sentenced to 45 years for planning attack on fellow soldiers. quadruple bypass Parkinsons like syndrome VA denied it being service connected! This was the only work I ever did under such conditions and now I pay a very high price, no future. Most counties have at least one. Boozman, Tester Fight for Veterans Exposed to Agent Orange During Service in Thailand. Both are tumors in the thyroid caused by AO. Im 43 now and one of my two sisters from a different mother has health problems as well. Your Vet must reapply or up dating his File with new conditions ,etc.to get higher rating and more benefits such as nursing home , etc.also you as his caregiver you can register with VA caregiver support Orgonization to become his sole caregiver at home then you may be able to quality for compensation as well. Unfortunately we didnt learn anything with the AO exposure. A Maryland Democrat, David Trone, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, has introduced the latter piece of legislation. I assume you served in Vietnam, You need to have them check you for Parkinsons disease. Will his claim be reviewed now in light of the new findings? Very same happened to me. Been diagnosed, had surgery with a lifetime of chemo and radiation. Can anyone in the VA administration help me understand why COPD and other respiratory diseases are not covered for exposure to agent orange ? Just my venting and 2 cents worth, nothing more,nothing will change. 100 percent service connected. We never thought, or were told to ask our First Sargent Can you tell me what chemicals we are using here, and how will they possibly affect my health 25 years from now? We were all asked to step up, and never thought that a real enemy might be the Department of Defense, or perhaps some other EM doing what he had been told to do. But proving it isnt always possible, others say. He was a body builder & very health conscious! My husband served in Vietnam in 1967-1968 and was diagnosed with AML leukemia in September 2020 and died in February 2021. All of my skin peeled off but no body was interested in my problems. Our son is being treated for bladder cancer. Thank you. McHenry worked for years to correct what he argued was an error in that memo, which held there was no evidence of tactical herbicides having been used at American bases in Thailand. Were you in Vietnam? It is beyond horrible. I served in Thailand at Uteipio AFB in 1972-1973. I have been thru 2 bladder cancer surgeries and have other medical issues. Attention A T users. Our 29 year old son has CML Leukemia I believe from Agent Orange. Wes, a veterans office where they are located. Those of us who served on aircraft carriers operating out of yankee station are denied compensation for agent orange related conditions because we were outside the 12 mile limit. Lock Should I apply? Pay them. i get the burn pits for these folks 100% 2/9th Marines were station at Pohang Korea training with the ROK Marines August 1975 for 30 days we had burn pits also we stood guard no more than 20 away with black smoke in the air debris burning and going on your utilities plastics/human waste/metal/unspent rds u guarded for hrs our hooches were only 100 away and u got the smoke as u slept also why are these not considered burn pits is it to let the older Marines die off so u go with the younger Marines first and these younger Marines sure deserve all they get but like agent orange with the 3 new aliments all these years later let the folks die first then include us why is the va not including all of us big black billows of smoke u sniff in when u stood guard/slept but for some odd ass reason we are not included peace. I served 13 months north of Uijeongbu, Korea, during the time that they sprayed AO. I am wondering if they are delaying action on the claims until we are all dead? My dad died March 6 2021 of non-hodgkin lymphoma, he was a Marine in Camp Leguene 1963&64. The VA has pushed aside those of us that used trichloroethylene as a cleaning solvent in the 60s. My husband applied years ago and was denied he served in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam and was based at Camp Lejeune for several years. I dont know if they will ever wake up and do the right thing for us. Please help us! Treasury sanctions three Russians for imprisonment of opposition leader. I served in B 217 Mech infantry out of Camp Kasier 68-69. After a couple years of testing and hymm hawing, they found a cancerous pocket inside my thyroid. I know that they do help some veterans, but if they can lie out of helping, they will. My husband has prostate cancer and VA wouldnt approve disability for that either. I, at least, now have survivor benefits to help me in retirement. He helped me with Agent Orange and Camp Lejuene exposure. He use to say they would spray agent orange below the hills he was on to control the jungle below them. When will there be an admission that agent orange was stored, transported and frequently sprayed on bases in Okinawa? Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 67-68 Tet. I served in Desert Storm and continued serving in SWA on and off for another14 years with my last mission in 2004. My husband served 20 years in the USMC and served in the Vietnam War in 1968. Because the government claims it was never there I have had no success in being compensated. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links. Poway, Calif. attorney Amanda Mineer recalled working on one case in which she and her team had to introduce into evidence a photo of a sailor taking a photographic selfie of himself on a ship as that ship crossed the equator, with barrels of Agent Orange nearby, visible in the photo. Thank you for your time in reviewing this note. The one we had before was worthless! Get 4 of 6 problems. He also suggested contacting political representatives to get them to work with you. I also drank a lot of water and ate healthy foods. So after leaving the marines, I didnt claim exposure during my first year out. He died of lung cancer and I was told after he died I could no longer proceed with our request. Why are we waiting 5 months to this to be awarded? Pass this info to everyone who was exposed to chemicals from Vietnam. I lived in Okinawa in 1967-68, then was in Navy in Vietnam from Now my question is, how do I file another appeal, and add these issues to my claim? You say that it is proven those chemicals cause various diseases including Scleroderma Where can I find such VA information mentioning that specific, rare autoimmune disease. Prostate Cancer Screw the VA and screw the United States. My father recently passed but was %100 sec connected whatever that means. He applied twice for benefits and denied. File a claim for DIC at va.gov or find a good VA advocate to help you. What did Kissinger quote! I remember returning home for Vietnam in 1973 only to be SPAT on by college students as if to shame those of us who served, AND remember, we were FORCED to serve if your draft number was low. Every day I was subjected to JP-4, Agent Orange surrounding our perimeter, MOGAS, Diesel and God knows what else. When will there be support for the children? A VA spokeswoman said If enacted, S.657 would expand universal eligibility for veterans who served in Thailand. My husband is 100% disabled due to Agent Orange exposure from Vietnam tour. Nobody told us? He saw active duty the entire tour. USMC 67-71. VA says Prove it. What a VA. I asked about skin conditions she laughter and told me only after exposure, I showed he phots by military hospital of neck, she said to late! Possibility of Agent Orange exposure could have been the cause! It took a number of years, once bladder cancer was put on the potential list , to be approvedwaiting patiently. My belief is that ANYONE with a specific injury like yours, or ANYONE who served at least 6 months in a COMBAT zone should receive 100% compensation and completely eliminate the VA intake center employee jobs to fund those payments. So many of these Vietnam era vets have already passed from this BS. Attention A T users. 3. I was in a artillery unit going where needed to support our ground troops. Any info or help ??? Take heart, they will get to you if you were initially denied. I served at KADENA AFB on Okinawa from 1970 until 1972. Planes and Choppers spraying directly over us wile sweeping the area No portable water. These include: You can file as a widow for spousal benefits. article ul li { list-style: disc; padding: 5px 0; } I was born 10 months after my father returned and I am plagued with these issues. You also have to This goes on all the timeIm hung up on constantly, if I call 3 times they just hang up on me 3 times. Be well, Bobby. SO I ALSO WAS AT THE FORT CHAFFEE POST GAVE THEM THOES RECORDS AND STILL HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM. Good luck. The residue that was on them ? My brother in law, a brother since I was little, proud marine, two tours Vietnam, didnt see his first born until she was six months old, died recently of a heart attack brought on by extreme pain and after suffering for years with a brain deteriorating disease caused by AGENT ORANGE. Exactly my question? Any help appreciated. I am very happy today as this is the best physical gift anyone could give to meBARUCH HABA HASHEM ADONAI, BARUCH BEN YESHUA HAMASHIACH, BARUCH RUACH HAKODESH: KODESH-KODESH-KODESH!!! Im not convinced the toxic exposure will ever be gone.
